9 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. 2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, 5 “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Pr 9:1–6.
One of the best nuggets of wisdom I have ever heard was that you should not grocery shop while hungry. If you are hungry while perusing the aisles you are theoretically more likely to overshop, and to buy things that you neither need, nor are good for you. However, your thought process is hijacked by the fact that you want to satisfy your hunger quickly, instead of nourishing your body. As one walks through the aisles of any grocery store there are many decisions that can be made. Walk through some aisles and they are full of highly processed foods that are pleasing to the tongue, but usually along the edges you will find the fresh produce and meat sections that are whole foods that are more nutritionally sound. As we encounter the news it might make our heads spin because it seems like everyday we are told something new is bad for us, which is why we must embrace a stance of wisdom whenever we engage with what and how we eat. Therefore, it is fitting that we engage with wisdom as we approach the table of the Lord. Wisdom prepares the table for us, so that we can walk away from simple minded talk and action, and turn to the nourishing meal offered at the table. Because at the table we find security, grace, and support of the Almighty through the feast wisdom provides.
Wisdom is built upon a strong, deliberate structure, one that grows through the steady accumulation of past lessons, experiences, and divine grace. This structure, symbolized by the number seven, represents perfection and completeness representing a sufficiency capable of welcoming all who seek understanding. This is represented through the sevenfold grace of the Holy Spirit described in Isaiah 11:2: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the LORD, forms the fullness of this house, resting upon those who dwell in God’s truth. By dwelling in the structure one is encountered by an invitation to dine at Wisdom’s table; however, it is more than a call to Wisdom’s instruction; it is an act of grace, offering the soul the rich nourishment that only divine wisdom can provide. As outlined in the opening chapters of Proverbs, these teachings become the very pillars of the house which is a complete and secure dwelling not built for convenience but for stability and beauty, where those who enter find not fleeting insight but abiding strength, belonging, and peace.
From the firm foundation of her house, Wisdom extends her generosity through a table richly prepared with spiritual fruit and nourishment. Her feast is not one of scarcity but of abundance, designed to help the faithful grow in grace and settle God’s mercy deep within their hearts. As Proverbs declares, “She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.” This is no simple meal, but a sacred feast centered on sacrifice, signifying both provision and atonement. The wine, mixed with spices, represents a joy perfected and a truth made complete, inviting all who hunger for righteousness to taste and see that the Lord is good. The food Wisdom offers is not ordinary sustenance but the rich fare of divine truth, through which one gains true life. Just as the tree of life offers continual renewal, so too does Wisdom’s banquet provide lasting nourishment for the soul. To partake of her table is to embrace peace, righteousness, and the deep consolations of the Spirit, entering into a fellowship that satisfies the heart more fully than any earthly feast can provide.
Wisdom’s invitation is extended to all, regardless of past folly or ignorance, calling each person to turn from the path of deception and approach her welcoming table. She does not conceal her appeal but proclaims it openly and boldly. As Scripture records, “She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town,” ensuring that her voice reaches every ear and no one can claim to have been left uninformed. Her cry resounds not in secrecy but from the heart of the city, a message meant for every soul willing to hear. Yet the wonder of her invitation lies in whom she calls. It is not the learned, the proud, or the self-satisfied who are summoned, but the “simple” and the one who “lacks sense.” In this, the boundless grace of Wisdom is revealed. Her feast is for those who know their need, who hunger for understanding and truth. The offer is not based on worthiness but on humility and faith, transforming the naive and unwise into people who find life, joy, and spiritual fulfillment at her table.
Wisdom brings the nourishment that we desperately need. Both individually and corporately, Wisdom leads us toward a renewed faith and reliance upon God. For wisdom reminds us that at the table we cannot be proud or self-reliant, but we must fully relinquish our hearts, minds, and souls to Jesus who opens the table for us, even when we most certainly did not deserve even an invitation. As we navigate the flood of words that come at us from all sorts of mass media, it is imperative that we remember to start by feasting at the table that Wisdom has laid for us. This act is more than making the decision not to grocery shop while hungry, it is to allow the wisdom that comes from above to inform our actions and determine how we can best act out our faith in the world. There are going to be numerous voices clamouring for our attention from politicians, influencers, and celebrities to family members and friends that want to get our ear about everything that is going on around us. However, to truly feast on wisdom at God’s table will require our attention and focus to be on the Holy Spirit’s guidance to remain focused on a faith response to the world.
Horizon Community Church 